Michael, "the artist"

Meet Michael! He's an artist! I just think this is so cute!

Here is one of his paintings.

Michael's Biography:



Michael came to The Gorilla Foundation from Vienna in 1976 at the age of 3, having been born in Cameroon, Africa. Although originally intended as Koko's mate, it eventually became apparent that he and Koko had developed a sibling relationship instead. Always bright and curious, Michael learned over 20 signs during his first year with The Gorilla Foundation and developed a vocabulary of more than 600 signs by the time he reached adulthood. He was the only "talking" gorilla in the world besides Koko, his female counterpart. Unfortunately, Michael passed away suddenly on April 19, 2000. See Michael's Memorial for details. Michael was a "great ape" in every sense, and he has left a legacy that will live on indefinitely. We at The Gorilla Foundation miss him dearly.

Date of Birth: March 17, 1973 (unofficial)
Place of Birth: Cameroon, Africa
Date of Death: April 19, 2000 (Age: 27)
Hair Color: Black with reddish hair on his head and a silver back
Eye Color: Light brown
Height: Approximately 6'0"
Weight: 450 pounds
Vocabulary: Used over 600 signs
Favorite color: Yellow
Favorite Foods: Nuts, apples, peanut butter sandwiches
Favorite Shows: "Sesame Street" and "Mister Rogers"
Favorite Toy: Construction pipes
Favorite Music: Opera by Luciano Pavarotti
Favorite Activities: Playing with sounds and rhythms, playing chase, looking at pictures
Family Members: No known relatives (parents believed to have been killed by poachers)



For more information visit http://www.koko.org/